As we bring this month to a close and step into the season of Advent, we are reminded that all gratitude comes from the abundance we have in God. The water that turned into wine at the wedding in Cana was well beyond what was needed and better than any wine that had been previously served. The 5 loaves and two fish that fed the 5,000 on the hillside were enough for everyone with twelve wicker baskets left over. We are about to enter a season of anticipation and incubation. We

Before we lose Thanksgiving in all the hustle and bustle of Christmas, I'd like to give you a small tool to help keep you in a state of gratitude. It's a simple practice, devised by St. Ignatius Loyola, that invites us to review our recent past. It allows us to see ourselves truthfully every day if we will do it. This simple prayer is called The Examen. We examine our day, our actions within it, and God's presence and action through it. It is telling that it begins with grati

Our friend was in his home listening to the pitch of a well-known multi-level marketing company's salesperson. The salesperson asked, "Are you happy with your current level of income?" and our friend immediately answered, "Yes." The salesperson looked to the nearly empty front room of the house and at the inexpensive furniture in the living room and incredulously replied, "You are?" He was. He and his wife were young, early in their marriage, and had a couple of kids. There w

Have a happy and blessed Thanksgiving! ~ Karen

Not long ago, I was really irritated with my husband and I just couldn't get past it. I tried, I really did, but I just couldn't let it go. Finally, in prayer, I realized that I needed to say what I was grateful for in him. It's that verse I keep bringing up - Whatever is true, whatever is honorable ... (Philippians 4:8) I needed to look at those things to help bring me back to center again. Then I realized that just telling myself these things wasn't going to be enough. I ne

Justin Tucker, kicker for the Baltimore Ravens, was once commented that the most crucial time in a game is not the field goal that you miss, it's the one after that really shows what you're made of. In most things in life, we need to look forward to where we are going rather than looking back at where we have been. Of course, it is good to learn from our mistakes, but we they can't be our focus as we continue on. Spiritually, it's an important concept, too. We have so many ex

My daughter has told me of several friends who have already put up their Christmas trees. In fact, they've been up almost a week already. Christmas songs are playing on the radio and in my house, and the stores have been filled with red, white, and greenery for weeks. It's easy to miss Thanksgiving. I have to admit that there are parts of it that I would rather skip. Even though I am a good cook, turkey is not an entree that I do well. Unfortunately, no one in my family think

I love how we pray, and to think about how God hears us. I know there have to be times when He just smiles and shakes His head at me, and I imagine you have had moments like those yourself. I also love that we have such a great example in the words of the apostles. Peter, James, John - each one of them could speak directly to Jesus and could get an immediate answer. And they sounded just like us. I recently read the passage where James and John approach Jesus on the way to Je

I want to leave you with a little something to help you with this life of holiness that we strive for. Click on the picture for a link to print the verses I've used over the last couple weeks. Cut them out. Put them on your mirror, in your car, as a bookmark, anywhere. Whenever you see them, remember who you are called to be. Remember that you are most fully alive when you are fully in Christ. God bless each and every one of you. Photo: S Sniderman

Do not be afraid of holiness. It will take away none of your energy, vitality, or joy. On the contrary, you will become what the Father had in mind when he created you, and you will be faithful to your deepest self. To depend on God sets us free from every form of enslavement and leads us to recognize our great dignity. Do not be afraid to set your sights higher, to allow yourself to be loved and liberated by God. Do not be afraid to let yourself be guided by the Holy Spirit.